Here at dynasty blitz, I am continuing to watch every preseason game and let my readers known what I’m seeing. The NFL landscape is fluid, so please keep in mind that this is only the first week. My concentration was on the younger players and/or new team additions. Here are some quick observations after watching the first half of each game:

Seahawks/Broncos

The battle behind starting running Denver back Montee Ball is now clear as mud. Ronnie Hillman, who started the game, did a lot of dancing and ran quite high, but still managed to convert a short-yardage touchdown. His competition, CJ Anderson, played mostly with the second team while running hard between the tackles. It was too bad that Anderson received a concussion for his troubles. This gives Hillman a lot more rope for another week or so. The other standout for the Broncos was new to Denver safety TJ Ward. The former Brown played aggressive football, laying strong hits, flying around the field, and found the time to sack the quarterback.

For the Seahawks, the starting running back was Robert Turbin, not fantasy sensation Christine Michael. Turbin looks a lot like Hillman with his smaller frame and elusiveness, but also doesn’t have the necessary leg drive to run inside. This forces Turbin to get strung out running more east and west vs. north and south. Michael ran hard, lowered his shoulder, and looked more like a future featured back. I was impressed with the way he adjusted to a poorly thrown pass. Two receivers also stood out to me. Doug Baldwin got separation with tight coverage and almost came down with a spectacular catch in the end zone. Rookie Paul Richardson showed some explosion on a few catches near the end of the first half. He body-caught his first ball, but made a point to make the next reception with his hands in stride.

Bengals/Chiefs

Don’t let the final score fool you, there were too many turnovers for touchdowns in this sloppy game. The Bengals young backs, Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill, both have quick feet and can make you miss in open space. Bernard only played the first series and Hill only played with the starters briefly showing some strong, low inside running. BJGE played a lot of the first half too which was a bit surprising. It still looks like Hill is a better option to pair with Bernard.

The Kansas City offense brimmed with fantasy gems. Second team runner, Knile Davis, began the game as the kickoff returner showing off his good vision, and loose hips. He continued his consistent play when spelling Jamaal Charles. The Black Mamba better known as De’Anthony Thomas had a few inside carries where he used his quickness while leaning forward for positive yardage. His speed and vision were on display when the offensive weapon exploded down the field on a 80 yard punt return touchdown. I got vision of the Human JoystickDante Hall watching him run! Second year tight end Travis Kelce looked strong, quick, and powerful on his two catches. The last one was a 70+ yard touchdown where he split two safeties up the middle of the field running to daylight. I would also like to mention how comfortable rookie walk-on wide out, Albert Wilson, looked on the second team offense and return team. He weaved between defenders with the ball in his hands, and attacks the ball in the air with great body control.

Colts/Jets

The Colts came out and looked good against the Jets starting defense. TY Hilton was Andrew Luck’s first read, but that all will change when Reggie Wayne is back on the field. Hilton got open and caught the ball in stride. Rookie wide out, Donte Moncrief, spent time returning kickoffs and played a lot with the starters. His routes and hands seemed more crisp than anything Hakeem Nicks did out there. Da’Rick Rogers had a huge 45 yard pitch and catch where he got behind the defender, but ended up getting chased down. Trent Richardson showed good lean, kept his feet shopping, but still has a bad habit of getting caught up in the wash of the line of scrimmage.

In regards to the Jets, the quarterback battle is dead and buried. Geno Smith isn’t exactly impressive, but looked good on a designed quarterback run. He made a scary pass across his body while being wrapped up that could have been picked off. Michael Vick looked a little slower, but still can find a running lane to exploit before he finds a passing lane. Rookie tight Jace Amaro didn’t light the world on fire with one short catch in the first half, but lined up in the slot, out wide, and on the line.

Washington/Patriots

Robert Griffin appeared re-energized, moved well around the pocket, and threw with good touch without looking to run. One of my favorite sleepers, running back Chris Thompson, ran well between the tackles and showed off his soft hands catching the ball. The diminutive runner is behind Alfred Morris and Roy Helu, but has the burst and quickness to perhaps make a fantasy impact down the road.

On the other hand, the Patriots offense looked lot behind second string quarterback Ryan Mallett. Stevan Ridley started the game, but danced too much at the line of scrimmage. Shane Vereen continued his offensive weapon role, running the ball and catching passes while being lined up all over the field. The only Patriots receiver that stood out was the newly signed Brandon LaFell. He caught the ball well in tight coverage and did a good job adjusting to Mallett’s poorly thrown passes.

Please support the site by using the PayPal button at the bottom of the page. You can follow me on Twitter @AndrewMiley or @Dynasty_Blitz.